Alcohol in the Brain
It’s true that alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in American culture and without the stigma or social abhorrence of many of the other drugs of abuse. While the occasional cocktail, a glass of wine, or happy-hour beer now and then is not likely to cause problems, excessive drinking can impact the brain and cause deficits […]
Nicotine as a Replacement Addiction
Deciding to finally deal with addiction and beginning the journey towards recovery can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Often, when people stop feeding into their pattern of behavior, they are often tempted to pick up another habit that will replace their current addiction, sometimes as an attempt to avoid relapse of their […]
Admitting to Your Spouse that You Have an Addiction
Struggling with addiction can be challenging with or without the help of a loved one. Not including loved ones in your recovery or treatment plans not only leaves you feeling alone and distant, but also prevents you from working with them to improve your future. For as long as the lying and deceit continue, so […]
The Science behind ‘Getting Hooked’
Addiction is regarded as a disorder that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and uses and involves physical changes to the brain’s functioning involved in the reward system, stress response, and ability for self-control. Just like heart disease, addiction can be thought of as a disease of the brain, in its disruption of the normal, […]
Knowing When to Ask for Help
In today’s demanding and complicated world, we all face daily challenges. Whether it’s needing advice in a relationship or how to handle an issue at work, to something far more serious, like feeling alone, rejected, or trapped in a marathon of the destructive cycle of addiction; admitting that you need help in these types of […]
Inpatient vs. At-Home Treatment for Addiction
Every case of addition is unique, with specific personal needs that should be approached accordingly for best results. Here, we will discuss the various strengths, weaknesses, and best case applications for inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment and addiction rehabilitation. For the best chance at a full and sustainable recovery, finding the best program for the patient […]
Common Reasons People Don’t Seek Addiction Treatment
Some estimates report that globally, more than 70% of people with mental illness do not receive treatment. While there are a number of factors believed to be responsible for this phenomenon, this article aims to explore an individual’s responsibility to seek treatment, and the barriers or maladaptive thoughts that often get in the way. Learn […]
Ativan Withdrawal
Ativan, otherwise known as Lorazepam, belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines or benzos. The class of drugs treats anxiety, seizure disorders, and relaxes tense muscles. To add, benzodiazepines function as central nervous system depressants. They work by decreasing the firing of neurons and nerves in the brain and spinal cord. On a neurological […]
Can I Detox from Xanax at Home?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, addiction is “a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence.” When someone is addicted to a substance, he or she has such an intense focus on using that substance that it completely takes over his or her life. According to studies, […]
Treatment For Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders (COD), also known as dual diagnosis, refers to the coexistence of substance abuse and mental health disorders. Unfortunately, the co-occurrence of these two types of disorders can be difficult to diagnose. In fact, completely different therapeutic approaches were used in the past to treat each of these two types of disorders with different […]